An Investigative Research into Business-ICT Alignment and its Impact on Institutions of Higher Education: A Case Study of Selected Universities in Kabale District.

Abstract

IMANIRAGABA PROSCOVIA (2013-M142-20011) An Investigative Research into Business-ICT Alignment and its Impact on Institutions of Higher Education: A Case Study of Selected Universities in Kabale District. The study was conducted to explore into Business-ICT alignment and its impact on institutions of higher education and then give the different recommendations on how business-ICT alignment can be integrated in institutions of higher education in Kabale district in order to stimulate business growth and development using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The study was conducted among assistant lecturers, (35.5%), lecturers (20.5%), head of department, (5.5%), non-teaching staff (25.5%), and administrators (13.0%). In the study, data was collected through structured interviews and questionnaires from 200 respondents. More information was gathered through the use of available literature and observation. The study found out that the main ICTs used in institutions were: computers, application software, tablets, projectors, interactive whiteboard and display monitors. However, the general business-ICT alignment levels in the institutions are till at a minimal level (38%). The study shows that many respondents strongly agreed (51%) and (37%) agreed that Business-ICT alignment is a suitable process for institutional progress and success. The study also found out that by improving the integration and alignment of ICT in institutions, the universities will improve their ability to realise institutional vision and goals (76%), provide more agility in response to institutional diversification, growth and development (87%), improve student, staff and partner experiences with greater enterprise capability (98%), enable greater sharing of knowledge and resources across the enterprise (67%), improve communications (78%). On establishing how business growth and development can be stimulated through business-ICT alignment respondents said it creates direct jobs, contributes to gross domestic product (GDP) growth, emergence of new services and industries, workforce transformation and leads to business innovation. In conclusion, the use of information and communication technologies no doubt is gaining momentum in Ugandan universities. The ICT is used by faculty, staff and students in sourcing information to align business. ICT use in management is highly embraced and this improves management practices. It was observed that, indeed, the use of ICT in the management of universities simplifies work and makes it easier for universities‟ staff to enjoy their work and hence generate quality decisions for the running of their universities. ICT usage will facilitate development since there will be free flow of information. Key Words: Research, Business-ICT Alignment, Universities, Kabale District.